Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia within the energy sector can now access an online learning programme aimed at supporting their research, product development, and innovation goals. The programme called Innovate to Grow: Energy, is a 10-week self-paced virtual learning course offered by CSIRO, the national science agency of Australia, and is free of charge.
There are significant opportunities for innovation in the Australian energy sector due to its ever-changing needs. Intelligent models, systems, and products have the potential to reduce emissions and improve the production, consumption, and storage of energy.
According to the SME Collaboration Manager at CSIRO, Innovate to Grow provides an excellent chance for companies seeking to transform their concepts into feasible research and development (R&D) initiatives, as well as gain insights directly from energy experts at CSIRO.
Upon completing the Innovate to Grow programme, participants will receive assistance in defining their goals, creating a business case for research and development with a university or CSIRO, and even preparing a funding proposal.
About Innovate to Grow
The Innovate to Grow initiative is a 10-week virtual learning programme, which is self-paced and free of charge, designed for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to explore fresh research and development (R&D) possibilities linked to the Energy sector.
Through this programme, SMEs in the energy sector or related fields can gain valuable insights and expertise, refine their ideas and processes, and build a strong foundation for their business. By participating in Innovate to Grow, SMEs can access networking opportunities with industry experts and mentors, collaborate with like-minded businesses, and learn about emerging trends and innovative practices in the energy sector.
The course offers a range of tools and information to help gain a better understanding of the R&D process and the critical factors to consider at each stage. With this knowledge, organisations can accelerate their innovation journey.
The Innovate to Grow programme offers various benefits to participants, including the identification of innovation opportunities, the refinement of their value proposition, understanding the viability of research and development, assistance in building a business case, and guidance on how to prepare a strong funding application.
The course will assist companies in honing innovative ideas and guiding them through the process of transforming them into research and development opportunities. Additionally, companies will gain exposure to industry experts and receive insights from innovation and industry specialists, as well as the chance to network with researchers and R&D mentors.
Innovate to Grow offers several key outcomes for participants, including personalised support to refine their ideas, confidential feedback on submissions through the programme portal, mentorship from an energy researcher to connect them with relevant specialists, and the opportunity to build their professional network by connecting with researchers at CSIRO and universities, domain experts, funding professionals, and other SMEs.
Through this programme, participants can receive valuable guidance and feedback from industry experts, refine their research and development plans, and build essential connections within their sector. By collaborating with a mentor and networking with other professionals, participants can access a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enabling them to develop innovative solutions that can help drive the energy sector forward.
The Innovate to Grow programme is available to SMEs in Australia who are currently involved in the energy sector, or those who are engaged in other fields but have new technology or solutions that could be implemented in the energy sector. It provides excellent opportunities to collaborate with other SMEs that share similar interests and to expand their professional network.
This programme is accessible to companies operating within sub-sectors listed on the website. If companies fall are uncertain whether they fall within one of the sub-sectors, they can contact programme coordinators.